Seogwipo: Jeju United of Korea Republic begin their third AFC Champions League campaign at home to Japan’s Cerezo Osaka in Group G at Jeju World Cup Stadium on Wednesday.

Jeju were impressive in last year’s competition, twice beating Cerezo’s neighbours Gamba Osaka in the group stage en route to reaching the last 16, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Urawa Red Diamonds.

Indeed, Jeju have thrice welcomed Japanese opposition to the southern island and have defeated them on each occasion, while Cerezo have never claimed victory in Korea.

Like their opponents, Cerezo are also making their third appearance in the tournament, having participated in the 2011 and 2014 editions, reaching the quarter-finals in the former and the last 16 in the latter.

The side from Osaka’s Emperor’s Cup and J.League Cup triumphs in recent months will offer plenty hope in Asia’s most prestigious club competition when Cerezo make their return following a four-year hiatus.